HEMAS MAKES LANDMARK ENTRY INTO KENYA WITH $16.2 MILLION ACQUISITION

Sri Lanka’s Hemas Holdings PLC has entered Kenya with a $16.2 million acquisition of a 75% stake in Twiga Stationers & Printers Limited. The deal, executed via Atlas Axillia, marks Hemas’ first international acquisition, creating synergies in education-focused consumer segments and establishing a strategic presence in East Africa’s dynamic market.

Hemas Holdings PLC has taken a decisive step in its international growth journey with the announcement of its first overseas acquisition, entering the Kenyan market through the purchase of a controlling stake in Twiga Stationers & Printers Limited. The $16.2 million transaction, executed via its subsidiary Atlas Axillia Company, gives Hemas a 75% shareholding in Twiga, one of Kenya’s leading stationery manufacturers. This landmark move not only signals Hemas’ ambition to expand beyond Sri Lanka but also establishes a strategic operating presence in East Africa, a region increasingly recognised for its consumer market potential.  

Twiga Stationers & Printers has built a strong reputation in Kenya’s stationery and learning products sector, with household brands such as Kasuku, CrownBird and Envoy. Its established market position and regional export footprint provide Hemas with a ready-made platform to extend its consumer brands beyond Kenya into neighbouring markets. For Atlas Axillia, one of Sri Lanka’s most trusted names in learning and back-to-school products, the acquisition offers significant synergies. The combination of Twiga’s local expertise and Atlas Axillia’s brand strength is expected to create new opportunities in education-related consumer segments, reinforcing Hemas’ commitment to enhancing everyday learning experiences.  

Kenya, with a population exceeding 54 million and an economy valued at more than $136 billion, represents a substantial opportunity for Hemas. The country’s growing middle class and rising demand for quality consumer goods make it an attractive destination for expansion. By securing a foothold in this market, Hemas positions itself to tap into one of Africa’s most dynamic economies while laying the groundwork for broader regional growth.  

The acquisition is more than a geographical expansion; it is a strategic alignment of capabilities. Hemas brings decades of experience in building consumer brands, while Twiga offers deep market penetration and regional distribution networks. Together, they create a partnership that blends Sri Lankan innovation with Kenyan market knowledge, setting the stage for sustainable growth.  

This move also reflects a wider trend among Sri Lankan companies seeking to extend their reach internationally. Hemas’ entry into Kenya underscores the growing confidence of home-grown businesses in competing on a global scale, leveraging their expertise to build stronger, more diversified portfolios. For Hemas, the acquisition is a milestone in its journey towards becoming a regional player with a global outlook, reinforcing its long-term ambition to create value across borders.  

By investing in Twiga, Hemas has signalled its intent to be more than a domestic leader. It has positioned itself as a company ready to embrace international opportunities, strengthen its consumer brands, and contribute to shaping the future of learning and stationery markets in East Africa and beyond.